An expert group has been established to develop fuel efficiency measures for the Scottish fishing fleet, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead announced last Friday.
The Fuel Efficiency Expert Group will be chaired by Paul Williams, Director of Seafish, and will report its initial findings to the Fuel Task Force within three weeks.
Welcoming the fresh impetus to developing fuel efficiency measures, Mr Lochhead said:
"I have already committed to providing funds to support fuel efficiency measures in the Scottish fleet. It is vital that such measures are based on expert advice and are introduced without delay.
"I welcome this move by the Fuel Task Force to call together a group of industry experts group to look urgently at the best measures to take forward.
"The fishing industry supports thousands of people and communities throughout Scotland. In the face of the huge challenge of rising fuel prices we need to do all we can to sustain the renewed confidence that has developed in the industry over the last year.
"We are in regular contact with the industry and very much appreciate the economic impact rising fuel prices are having on our fishing industry.
"In contrast to our limited budgets in Scotland, the UK Government is gaining billions of pounds in extra revenue from rising fuel prices and the Scottish Government is seeking a fair share of that to allow help to be provided for key sectors.
"As well as the action we are taking forward, I have forthcoming meetings with the UK Government and will be attending the EU Fisheries Council to press for support for the industry. I will continue to actively explore potential short, medium and longer term support for one of Scotland's most important sectors."
